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Ballast Tube
#1

I just got a GE radio with a ballast tube. I've never seen one(or heard of one) and was wondering how to test it.

I did some reading about it but couldn't find a test procedure. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org

#2

What's the number of the ballast?
#3

It's a BL42B

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org

#4

Eric

You simply measure resistance between the pins where the resistors inside the tube are connected to.
It is that simple.
#5

These ballasts are available from several sources for about $12. Looking at the schematic, I see that pin 3 to pin 7 should show continuity. Pin 7 to pin 8 is the dial lamp connection. To check both sections check from pin 3 to pin 8, then from pin 8 to pin 7
#6

Thanks, B A, I'll check it out.

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org

#7

Well, you were right. No continuity at all. I opened it up just to see what it looked like and found broken wires inside. Has anyone put resistors inside the metal tube instead of replacing it?

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org

#8

B A, where did you see them advertised?

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org

#9

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/Prices%20Ballasts.htm
#10

Thank you. It will be ordered tomorrow.

Eric
The Villages, FL
Member: Philco Phorum, ARF, ARCI & Radiomuseum.org





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